Van Jumps Curb, Crashes Into Diners Outside A Restaurant

A van crashes into a group of people dining on a Martin County sidewalk, striking and injuring at least eight people.

A witness said, the van jumped a curb and crashed into a group of people eating outside a restaurant. The vehicle knocked down a white picket fence that served as a barrier between diners and pedestrians on the sidewalk.

“Everyone was eating, enjoying life and out of nowhere this van ran them over,” a witness said.

He said several victims were pinned under the van as panicked witnesses rushed to pull them out. A man who was the first person struck by van had severe head injuries, the witness said.

“I heard loud, agonizing screams. I’m shaken up,” he said.

The victims included a 44-year-old man who suffered critical injuries, three who were seriously hurt and four others who were taken to the hospital in fair condition, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman said.

An off-duty firefighter with the Martin County fire department was in the crowd and did not sustain any injuries, she said.

The driver came out of the van and appeared disoriented, the witness said. He jumped back into the van, prompting witnesses to hold him until authorities arrived at the scene.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

An FHP spokesman said the crash appeared to be an accident, adding that there was no indication the driver intentionally drove into the crowd.

Comments:

Accident attorney Jason Weisser of Schuler, Halvorson, Weisser, Zoeller and Overbeck responded to this unfortunate crash. “This is a serious accident involving a van which ultimately crashed into a restaurant, injuring a lot of people. We hope the investigators can quickly determine what caused the accident. Please be careful and obey the speed limits whenever you are driving a motorcycle, car, SUV or truck. We hope that all parties involved consult with an experienced trial lawyer. If you have been injured in an accident, call my office for a free consultation and find out what your rights are.”

A bus carrying dozens of St. Lucie County sixth-grade students to Broward County for a field trip overturned on Interstate 95 in Coral Springs, Florida Highway Patrol Officials said. Officials said, one child and one teacher were seriously injured. The bus carrying 21 children and the driver overturned at least once on the highway in […]